How’s That Working for You? (HTWFY)

Season 2 Episode 1 Show Notes Meera Atkinson In this episode of How’s That Working For You?, host Dr Zoe Krupka speaks with writer, poet, trauma scholar, and long-time friend Meera Atkinson about trauma, memory, healing, and the complex relationship between personal experience and broader social systems. Drawing on Meera’s acclaimed hybrid memoir Traumata, the conversation explores how trauma is lived in the body, shaped by relationships, and reproduced across generations. Together, Zoe and Meera examine the challenge of telling the truth of traumatic experience while also making sense of what neuroscience, psychology, feminism, and trauma scholarship can teach us about its enduring impacts. Reflecting on their own lived experiences, they discuss the limitations of treatment, the realities of recovery, and why simplistic narratives of healing often fail to capture the ongoing nature of living with trauma. The conversation also explores the role of patriarchy in shaping individual and collective suffering, and why trauma must be understood not only as a personal experience but as a social and cultural phenomenon. Meera brings insights from decades of research and writing on transgenerational trauma, literary testimony, and the ways traumatic histories continue to reverberate through families, communities, and institutions. Together, Zoe and Meera consider what becomes possible when we move beyond individualised understandings of trauma and embrace more systemic, relational, and compassionate ways of making sense of suffering. Don't miss this thoughtful and deeply moving conversation on trauma, resilience, storytelling, and the transformative power of bearing witness. About Our Host Dr Zoe Krupka https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/staff/dr-zoe-krupka/ About Our Guest Meera Atkinson Meera Atkinson is a writer, poet, and trauma scholar whose work explores the intersections of trauma, memory, identity, gender, and social justice. She is the author of the acclaimed memoir Traumata Traumata | UQP (University of Queensland Press), which combines personal narrative, trauma theory, neuroscience, and feminist critique to examine the enduring impacts of childhood trauma and the social structures that perpetuate it. She is also the author of The Poetics of Transgenerational Trauma. Her essays, poetry, fiction, and scholarly work have been widely published in Australia and internationally. Meera’s forthcoming poetry collection, Some Letters Take a Lifetime, explores traumatic growth, memory, and transformation and is scheduled for publication by Upswell Publishing in 2027. Website: https://www.meeraatkinson.com/ Recommended Reading Traumata by Meera Atkinson https://www.uqp.com.au/books/traumata The Cairnmillar Institute For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au. Coming up next Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations as we explore diverse aspects of wellbeing, mental health, and therapeutic practice. Thank you for joining us on the How’s That Working For You? podcast. Take care out there. Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental health or wellbeing, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional. This episode was recorded in 2026.  

In this episode of How’s That Working For You?, host Dr Zoe Krupka speaks with counsellor, psychotherapist, educator, author and CMI Alumni Rebecca (Bec) Harris about the role of lived experience in therapeutic practice. Together, they explore what we mean by “lived experience,” why some forms of self-disclosure are more accepted than others, and how therapists navigate the complex intersection of professional expertise and personal experience. Bec reflects on her work with young people, neurodivergent clients and LGBTIQA+ communities, sharing insights into the ways authenticity, compassion, and connection can deepen therapeutic relationships. The conversation also examines the ethics of therapist self-disclosure, the place of lived experience within psychology and psychotherapy, and how practitioners can thoughtfully balance professional boundaries with genuine human connection. Don't miss this thoughtful discussion on trauma-informed practice, identity, and what it means to bring our whole selves into therapeutic work. About Our Host Dr Zoe Krupka https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/staff/dr-zoe-krupka/ About Our Guest Rebecca Harris Rebecca Harris is a counsellor, psychotherapist, education consultant, and author with more than 20 years’ experience and has a private practice. She is the founder of Embedding Wellbeing, where she supports children, adults, families, schools, and organisations through trauma-informed approaches to wellbeing and mental health. Rebecca is recognised for her leadership in trauma-informed practice in education and is the author of Safe to Learn: Embedding Trauma-Informed Student Wellbeing Practices (Amba Press). https://embeddingwellbeing.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-harris-8311a6260/ https://www.instagram.com/embedding_wellbeing/ The Cairnmillar Institute For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au. Coming up next Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations as we explore diverse aspects of wellbeing, mental health, and therapeutic practice. Thank you for joining us on the How’s That Working For You? podcast. Take care out there.   Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental health or wellbeing, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional. This episode was recorded in 2026.

In this episode of How's That Working For You, our host Dr Zoe chats with Greg Roberts as we discuss challenges of appearing in court as a therapist. Today we try to answer the important questions:  "What is it like to be in adversarial situation in court?", "How do we maintain the integrity of the relationships we have with our clients, and the integrity of our professions in that environment?" and "How do we prepare for a potentially public scenario where it's almost impossible to do a good job?" Don't miss the enlightening dialogue that unveils the therapist's journey and all its complexities.  About Our Host Dr Zoe Krupka  https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/staff/dr-zoe-krupka/   About Our Guest Greg Roberts Greg is a counsellor/therapist, social worker, group facilitator, lecturer/educator and clinical supervisor. Greg holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Focused on Grief and Bereavement) and has specialised in the field of grief, bereavement and trauma for 25 years. Greg has worked in acute health, community health and NGO settings with a focus on suicide bereavement, child loss, sudden and traumatic bereavement, palliative care, older adults, men’s health, regional health and people living with disabilities. https://www.grieftraumasupport.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-roberts-phd-1a8a8358/ The Cairnmillar Institute  For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au.  Take care out there  Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. We're all wonderfully unique, so if you have medical concerns, it's a great idea to chat with your healthcare professional. While our content is informative, your trusted healthcare practitioner is the best source for tailored guidance. This episode was recorded on the 24th of February, 2026. 

In this episode of How's That Working For You, our host Dr Zoe chats with Fairlie Morgan as we discuss challenges of colonial psychology. Today we try to answer the important questions:  "What were the harmful impacts are of those individualistic psychological theories?" "How do we embrace the non-individualistic frameworks in practice?" Don't miss the enlightening dialogue that unveils the therapist's journey and all its complexities.  About Our Host Dr Zoe Krupka  https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/staff/dr-zoe-krupka/   About Our Guest Fairlie Morgan Fairlie has Masters level qualifications in psychology, extensive experience in clinical and psychiatric settings, and over 30 years of industry experience. She is also a Master Instructor in Mental Health First Aid, and a Mental Fitness Trainer. She has worked in a wide range of environments, with a focus on high-risk and trauma related mental health. These have included psychiatric hospitals, the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (both the Queensland and Victorian divisions), Phoenix Australia, and the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (now Fire Rescue Victoria) in Melbourne. Fairlie is equally passionate about diversity and inclusivity in responding to trauma. Her mother is Aboriginal, and Fairlie partly grew up in a remote Aboriginal community and identifies as Aboriginal. Her father’s family were Ashkenazi Jewish refugees to Australia after WWII. She strongly believes in finding strength and opportunities for growth out of adversity. https://www.actmindfullyconsulting.com.au The Cairnmillar Institute  For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au.  Coming up next  Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we explore diverse aspects of well-being, mental health, and the incredible world of therapy. In the next episode, we’ll be speaking to a Cairnmillar Alum about antiracist practice. Thank you for joining us on the "How's That Working For You" podcast.  Take care out there  Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. We're all wonderfully unique, so if you have medical concerns, it's a great idea to chat with your healthcare professional. While our content is informative, your trusted healthcare practitioner is the best source for tailored guidance. This episode was recorded on the 12th of February, 2026. 

In this episode of How's That Working For You, our host Dr Zoe chats with Annie Pollock as we discuss late-diagnosed autistic women. Today we try to answer the important questions:  "Why does it takes so long for neurodivergent/autistic women to get diagnosed?" "How does the work of a clinical naturopath blend with the work of a psychologist?" "How do you manage relationships post diagnosis?" Don't miss the enlightening dialogue that unveils the therapist's journey and all its complexities.  About Our Host Dr Zoe Krupka  https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/staff/dr-zoe-krupka/   About Our Guest Annie Pollock Annie Pollock is a Clinical Naturopath and owner of Mind Naturopathy, where she specialises in holistic mental health support. She is also a psychologist-in-training, having recently completed her Honours year at the Cairnmillar Institute. Her Honours thesis, Late Bloomers: Exploring the Emotional Landscape of Autistic Women’s Experiences of a Late Autism Diagnosis, delves into the unique challenges and emotional experiences surrounding this phenomenon. As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent individual, Annie is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming care, both within her naturopathy practice and her future psychology work. She has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals with co-occurring health conditions, such as Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, hypermobility/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Mast-Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and gastrointestinal and thyroid conditions. To connect with Annie, you can find her on Instagram or TikTok at @mindnaturopathy or visit her website at anniepollock.com http://www.anniepollock.com Late bloomers: Exploring the emotional landscape of Australian women’s experiences of a late Autism diagnosis - Annie Pollock, Zoë Krupka, 2026 The Cairnmillar Institute  For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au.  Take care out there  Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. We're all wonderfully unique, so if you have medical concerns, it's a great idea to chat with your healthcare professional. While our content is informative, your trusted healthcare practitioner is the best source for tailored guidance. This episode was recorded on the 4th of December, 2024. 

In this episode of How's That Working For You, our host Dr Zoe chats with Dr Kathomi Gatwiri as we discuss dealing with race in the therapy room. Today we try to answer the important questions:  "What is the difference between feeling at peace vs liberated?" "What nuances work and are promoted in the western non-black context but will not be effective for an African context?”  Don't miss the enlightening dialogue that unveils the therapist's journey and all its complexities.  About Our Host Dr Zoe Krupka  Dr Zoe Krupka is a psychotherapist, Senior Lecturer, and host of the podcast How's That Working For You? at the Cairnmillar Institute. Zoe writes regularly for industry publications and the media and provides commentary with a focus on relational ethics and understanding the therapeutic process. You can find her website at zoekrupka.com.   About Our Guest Dr Kathomi Gatwiri D Kathomi Gatwiri is a nationally recognised scholar, researcher, and leader whose work bridges academic research and community impact. She is a Professor in the Social Work Discipline at Flinders University and an ARC DECRA Fellow at the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work. As one of Australia’s leading Afro-diasporic scholars, Kathomi’s research focuses on decolonising methodologies and anti-racist pedagogies. Her interdisciplinary work explores racial trauma, identity, migranthood, and the experiences of minoritised people, particularly those assigned 'categories of difference’ in Australia. She developed the Racial Dignity Theory and the Racial Dignity Framework, as a tool for understanding racism as an assault on human dignity. This framework has been adopted across various organisational settings. Since completing her PhD, Dr Gatwiri has secured over $1.5 million in competitive research funding. She has published more than 100 traditional and non-traditional research outputs, including the books African Womanhood and Incontinent Bodies and Afrodiasporic Identities in Australia. She is the Founder and Director of Healing Together, a service offering culturally affirming therapeutic support for people impacted by racial trauma, and Femicide Count Kenya, a platform documenting murdered Kenyan women. She served for four years as President of the Australian Women and Gender Studies Association and is a member of the advisory committee for the Australian Human Rights Commission's Racism@Uni national study https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/kathomi.gatwiri  The Cairnmillar Institute  For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au.  Coming up next  Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we explore diverse aspects of well-being, mental health, and the incredible world of therapy. In the next episode, we’ll be speaking to a Cairnmillar Alum about antiracist practice. Thank you for joining us on the "How's That Working For You" podcast.  Take care out there  Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. We're all wonderfully unique, so if you have medical concerns, it's a great idea to chat with your healthcare professional. While our content is informative, your trusted healthcare practitioner is the best source for tailored guidance. This episode was recorded on the 2nd of July, 2025.

In this episode of How's That Working For You, our host Dr Zoe chats with Ari Heart as we discuss dealing with dysphoria. Today we try to answer the important questions:  "Has our training mislocated the problem with dysphoria as just internal?" "How can therapists be vulnerable and own their anxiety and ignorance but leave space for pause?”  Don't miss the enlightening dialogue that unveils the therapist's journey and all its complexities.  About Our Host Dr Zoe Krupka  https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/staff/dr-zoe-krupka/    About Our Guest Ari Heart  Ari Heart is a Trans non-binary person, a psychotherapist, a parent, an educator, And co-founder of trans well-being.   Trans well-being provides Support and education to therapists, working with trans clients. trans wellbeing also supports parents of trans people through a course and group program.   Ari's interest and dedication is in providing the world information that goes well beyond the foundations of trans inclusion and respect, but which makes inclusion and respect come intuitively and authentically.  https://www.transwellbeing.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-heart-650296234/   The Cairnmillar Institute  For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au.  Coming up next  Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we explore diverse aspects of well-being, mental health, and the incredible world of therapy. In the next episode, we’ll be speaking to a Cairnmillar Alum about antiracist practice. Thank you for joining us on the "How's That Working For You" podcast.  Take care out there  Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. We're all wonderfully unique, so if you have medical concerns, it's a great idea to chat with your healthcare professional. While our content is informative, your trusted healthcare practitioner is the best source for tailored guidance. This episode was recorded on the 28th of August, 2024. 

In this episode of How's That Working For You, Dr Zoe chats with Psychologist, Board Approved Supervisor and Sexologist Laura Lee about how therapists can have better, meaningful and more helpful conversations about sex with their clients. Today we try to answer all the big sexy questions: Why did we learn so little about sex in our training? What does good sexual communication look like in the therapy room?  Why is sex so important? Don't miss this deep dive into the importance of sex to our health and wellbeing and how to prioritise conversations about sex in your work with clients. About our guest: Sexologist and Psychologist Laura Lee has over 17 years of experience working with individuals and healthcare providers to help people access high quality sexual education and sexual healthcare. She provides coaching, supervision and individual psychological and sexual therapy with a core focus on embracing an alive and deeply pleasurable sexuality without shame. https://www.lauralee.com.au/ https://www.bluespacepsychology.com.au/about   Key Publication https://journalofpositivesexuality.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/10.51681.1.1024_The_Impact_of_Communication_on_Sexual_Response_Summary-Lee.pdf   The Cairnmillar Institute Discover how our commitment to Better Mental Health can empower you on your personal journey. For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au. Coming up next Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we explore diverse aspects of well-being, mental health, and the incredible world of therapy. Thank you for joining us on the "How's That Working For You" podcast. Take care out there Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. We're all wonderfully unique, so if you have medical concerns, it's a great idea to chat with your healthcare professional. While our content is informative, your trusted healthcare practitioner is the best source for tailored guidance.

In this episode of How's That Working For You, our host Dr Zoe chats with Dr Lou Cooper about rupture and repair. Today we try to answer the important questions:  "How does psychotherapy really work?" "What does a good therapeutic relationship look like? How can we manage relationship difficulties in therapy?"  Don't miss this enlightening dialogue that unveils the therapist's journey and all its complexities.  About Our Host Dr Zoe Krupka  https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/staff/dr-zoe-krupka/  About our guest: Dr Lou Cooper  Dr Lou Cooper is an experienced presenter, facilitator, counsellor, clinical supervisor and trainer. Lou is an AHPRA registered supervisor, an internationally accredited supervisor in Emotion Focused Therapy, and Chair and Head of Training at the Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy.   Host of the Emotion Focused podcast emotionfocused.com   Counselling psychologist  Head of Training at Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy  http://aieft.org.au  https://www.emotionfocused.com/  The Cairnmillar Institute  Discover how our commitment to Better Mental Health can empower you on your personal journey. For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au.  Coming up next  Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we explore diverse aspects of well-being, mental health, and the incredible world of therapy. Thank you for joining us on the "How's That Working For You" podcast.  Take care out there  Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. We're all wonderfully unique, so if you have medical concerns, it's a great idea to chat with your healthcare professional. While our content is informative, your trusted healthcare practitioner is the best source for tailored guidance. This episode was recorded on the 2nd of July, 2024.

In this episode of How's That Working For You, our host Dr Zoe chats with Adjunct Professor George Habib about how therapists navigate their relationships with their clients. Today we try to answer the important questions:  How does psychotherapy really work?  What does a good therapeutic relationship look like?   How do we deal with relationship difficulties in therapy?  Don't miss this enlightening episode that unveils what is truly important in therapy (spoiler alert: it's not technique).  About our guest:  Adjunct Professor George Habib:  George is Adjunct Professor and a Council member at the Cairnmillar Institute and the Director – Wellbeing Services at the University of Melbourne. He has over 25 years of experience in private practice as a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist.   During his time at Monash Health, George, together with senior colleagues, developed and implemented a range of clinical programs in public health including the Agile Psychological Medicine Clinics.  George has also led psychology governance programs including managing Clinical Education and Post graduate Student and Psychology Registrar programs in public health and continues to work on improving client outcomes in health and welfare settings.   http://www.linkedin.com/in/george-habib-8443423a  The therapist effect  https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-81510-009  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796725000117#:~:text=Today%2C%20it%20is%20common%20knowledge,Wampold%20%26%20Owen%2C%202021).  Characteristics of Effective Therapists: Further Analyses of Data From the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program, Blatt, Sidney J ; Sanislow III, Charles A ; Zuroff, David C ; Pilkonis, Paul A., Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 1996-12, Vol.64 (6), p.1276-1284    The importance of professional self-doubt:  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10503307.2025.2506650?src=#abstract  The Cairnmillar Institute  Discover how our commitment to Better Mental Health can empower you on your personal journey. For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au.  Coming up next  Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we explore diverse aspects of well-being, mental health, and the incredible world of therapy. Thank you for joining us on the "How's That Working For You" podcast.  Take care out there  Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. We're all wonderfully unique, so if you have medical concerns, it's a great idea to chat with your healthcare professional. While our content is informative, your trusted healthcare practitioner is the best source for tailored guidance. This episode was recorded on the 7th of June, 2024.

In this first episode of How's That Working For You?, our host Dr Zoe chats with our very own producer Dr Christine embark on an intriguing exploration of the therapists' world. We discuss the delicate art of maintaining boundaries in the therapy space, pondering what makes us more comfortable with our therapeutic work and whether helping clients find betterment also makes them better individuals. Today we try to answer the important questions: "How much of yourself do you bring into the room?"  "Is it ok to accommodate myself even if I'm the therapist?" Don't miss the enlightening dialogue that unveils the therapist's journey and all its complexities.     About our host Dr Zoe Krupka  Dr Zoe Krupka is a psychotherapist, Senior Lecturer, and host of the podcast How's That Working For You? at the Cairnmillar Institute. Zoe writes regularly for industry publications and the media and provides commentary with a focus on relational ethics and understanding the therapeutic process. You can find her website at zoekrupka.com.     About our guest Dr Christine Brown  Dr Christine Brown is a psychologist and is the Course Coordinator of the Diploma of Counselling, and the producer of How's That Working For You at the Cairnmillar Institute. Christine works in private practice as a psychologist working with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting them through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, workplace stress, relationships, and parenting.     The Cairnmillar Institute  Discover how our commitment to Better Mental Health can empower you on your personal journey. For more information about our organisation, the services we offer, and how to donate, visit our website at www.cairnmillar.org.au.    Coming up next  Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we explore diverse aspects of well-being, mental health, and the incredible world of therapy. Thank you for joining us on the How's That Working For You? podcast.    Take care out there  Disclaimer: This podcast is a space for open conversations, but it's important to remember that what you're hearing are the personal experiences and thoughts of our host and guests. While we're here to share insights, please don't take any of this as medical advice. We're all wonderfully unique, so if you have medical concerns, it's a great idea to chat with your healthcare professional. While our content is informative, your trusted healthcare practitioner is the best source for tailored guidance.    Links/resources/information:  Books mentioned:   The Power of Now: Eckhart Tolle  The Secret: Rhonda Byrne    Real life therapists:  Couple's Therapy Orna Guralnik  Where Should We Begin: Esther Perel     Therapists depicted in shows:  Shrinking  In treatment  Frasier